10 Tips To Enjoy A New Culture
Introduction
So, you’re going abroad. That’s great! You’ll have the opportunity to see new things, meet new people, and learn a whole lot about yourself in the process. But before you go on your next adventure abroad (or even if this is your first), let me share some tips with you that will help make your trip an amazing experience:
Be open-minded.
You can’t enjoy a new culture if you’re not open-minded. You have to be willing to try new things, accept that some things might not be for you and even embrace the fact that other cultures have different ideas about what is normal or acceptable.
A lot of people are nervous about traveling abroad because they think it will be too different from home. But being open-minded helps make sure these fears don’t get in the way of making the most out of your trip!
Take some time to adjust.
This is a big life change for you, and it can be difficult to adjust. It helps if you take some time to adjust. You may want to talk with friends or family members who have experience living in another country before making any major decisions about where your new home will be.
Don’t judge the culture by its worst examples! Don’t take everything at face value—you might find yourself surprised by how much more friendly and open-minded people are than what you expect. And don’t be afraid of asking questions! If someone tells you something they think is interesting or helpful, try asking them why they think that way instead of just taking their word for it (and then probably telling everyone else how amazing this person is). You’ll learn so much more about other cultures by asking questions than by just knowing everything there is about one culture without ever exploring outside of it…
Learn the language.
Learning the language is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture. It’s also an easy way to make friends!
Make sure you have some basic phrases memorized before you go, and then ask locals for help with anything else. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes–they will only be endearing!
Respect the customs and traditions of that culture.
The first thing to do is respect the customs and traditions of that culture. In order to be truly respectful, though, you must understand why these customs exist in the first place. For example, it’s important to understand if there are religious implications behind certain practices–you wouldn’t want to offend anyone by violating their sacred beliefs! If you don’t agree with a custom but still wish to respect it (e.g., a woman wearing an abaya), try your best not make any judgments about those who do follow such traditions.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
One of the best ways to learn about another culture is by asking questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the culture, things you’re curious about, things you don’t understand or know how to do and even things that are on your list of things-to-do.
For example:
- “Where can I find a good coffee shop?” – this question will help you find out where locals go when they want some caffeine! You might discover a hidden gem that only locals know about or just get a recommendation for the nearest Starbucks (which might actually be better than any other option).
- “Is there anywhere nearby where I can rent bikes?” – this question will help open up conversation between yourself and locals who may not necessarily speak your language but would still like an opportunity to practice their English skills with someone who is willing to put in effort into learning their language as well!
Try new foods and drinks.
One of the best ways to get a feel for a new culture is through food and drink. Try new dishes and beverages, but don’t overdo it. If you’re not sure about something, ask questions before eating it–and don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t look or sound appetizing!
Don’t judge a culture by its worst examples, but also don’t pretend that everyone who lives there is perfect either.
You will not find a culture where everyone is perfect. It’s impossible, because no one is perfect.
It’s also important not to judge a culture by its worst examples, but also don’t pretend that everyone who lives there is perfect either. You’ll see people who are rude or greedy or mean–and that’s fine! That’s normal! It happens everywhere in the world (including your own city). All you can do is try your best and be respectful of others’ cultures and customs if they differ from yours.
Respect privacy as much as possible, but also remember that you are on vacation! You may not be able to avoid personal questions or attention from strangers, so go with it and try to enjoy it!
Respect privacy as much as possible, but also remember that you are on vacation! You may not be able to avoid personal questions or attention from strangers, so go with it and try to enjoy it!
- Respect local customs. If a culture has different norms around what’s considered polite, then be sure to respect those. For example in many places throughout Asia it is not considered polite to touch someone without their consent (even by accident). This can make things tricky if they want to shake your hand but you don’t know how long after their last wash their hands were clean enough for contact–and vice versa (if you want them to touch your face).
- Be aware of time zones and schedules. In some cultures people eat dinner at 2pm while others eat breakfast at 10am–so always check before showing up unannounced!
Give yourself time to relax, reflect, and develop perspective on your experiences during this exciting time of change for you!
Giving yourself time to reflect, relax and develop perspective on your experiences during this exciting time of change for you is important. You have just arrived in a new culture and it will take time for your mind and body to adjust. Give yourself permission to enjoy the journey!
Conclusion
Now that you have some tips to help you enjoy your new culture, it’s time to get out there and try them! You may not feel like an expert at first, but as long as you keep an open mind and keep trying new things then eventually it will all come together for you.